I have a 2001 3.0L and whenever I pull a decent size hill, it will bog down, which from what i hear is normal. but if you test its limits and accelerate it will hiccup. I've been told this is the trans slipping which i can believe. does anyone have any insight to this and if there is any way to help my poor transmission?

 

dont jump right to the transmission...what are the exact symptoms? when was the last time the cam sync was replaced? tune up last done?

 

I actually don't have a cam sync and ill have to drive it and see what my rpms are but those are the only symptoms, it's just hiccuping.. no other way to describe it.. I could also try changing the fuel injectors, they haven't been done as far as I know, I've had this ranger for 4 years and it's had regular maintenance and no other issues, always been a good truck. Just that one annoying glitch.

 

The 3.0 has a cam syncronizer. These are known to cause poor engine idle, but get blamed for anything relating to engine performance. It's tucked back behind the rear (left of center towards the passenger side) and the filewall. If it's suspect, wait until the engine cools down, then crawl up on top of the engine, and with a flashlight, look for it, and remove it's two top screws holding the sensor to the housing. Lift off the sensor, and inspect the "cam" that is used as the trigger to the sensor you have removed. If it's pitted, worn (from "slop" or wear of the shaft within the housing), it needs replacing. Search this site or google "Ford 3.0 V6 cam sensor", and read about it. It's recommended they get changed every 80K, but don't assume it's bad. If it is bad, it causes a poor running engine, and left un-replaced, can cause further damage. Again, google about it to learn more.